Assignment: Summarizing Data and Probability
Introduce basic measures of centrality and dispersion that are used to summarize and describe a data set. We use these sample statistics to estimate the true, but unknown, population parameters.
Problem 1:
For the first problem you will need to refer to the following table of blood pressure data collected at a local blood drive.
Blood Pressure Data
|
Patient ID
|
Systolic
|
Diastolic
|
|
1
|
160
|
110
|
|
2
|
150
|
90
|
|
3
|
110
|
60
|
|
4
|
120
|
80
|
|
5
|
130
|
70
|
|
6
|
150
|
90
|
|
7
|
130
|
80
|
|
8
|
120
|
60
|
|
9
|
90
|
40
|
Using the data in the preceding table to:
• Calculate the mean, median, standard deviation, and variance of the systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements using the formulas provided in the course text. In your write-up, show the formulas you use to calculate each statistic.
• Create a histogram and box plot for systolic blood pressure and a histogram and box plot for diastolic blood pressure.
• Scan your completed work into an image file and then insert it into a Word document.
• You could also create the histogram and box plot charts with Excel or use the PASS software that came with your text.
• You will then need to copy and paste the output from the Excel or PASS software into the Word document with your work for Problem 2.
Problem 2:
• Briefly interpret the results from Problem 1. Describe what the numerical summary statistics you calculated signify and what the visual displays suggest.
• Do you think the distribution of either systolic or diastolic blood pressure in this sample follows a normal distribution?
• Be sure to include Problem 1 in the same document as Problem 2.
Problem 3:
You were introduced to probability theory and how it allows us to interpret random phenomena. To prepare for this
Assignment, review Chapters 3 and 4 in the course text for examples of how clinicians use probability in research and practice.
To complete this Application Assignment, write a 1-page paper addressing the following:
• Identify two specific ways in which probability is used in clinical research. These may relate, for instance, to relative risk, odds ratio, and number needed to treat.
• Briefly discuss the impact or importance of probability in clinical research and practice.